million greenback subsidy to fight alien aquatic vegetation in Overijssel

Within the nature reserves of De Wieden and Weerribben in Overijssel, unique aquatic vegetation that don’t belong there flourish. They destroy the unique aquatic vegetation, says forester Melvin de Jong. “That might have a horrible impact on biodiversity.” Europe is giving thousands and thousands in subsidies to cope with the vegetation.

The Wieden and Weerribben are Natura 2000 areas, protected nature reserves for the conservation and restoration of biodiversity. The unique aquatic vegetation are an enormous pest there, he wrote Jap regional broadcaster. That is the uneven feather plant: a tricky plant that comes initially from america.

The one strategy to fight alien aquatic vegetation is to totally clear all the backside. “We favor not to do this, since you additionally take away native vegetation,” says De Jong. “Nevertheless it’s not simply an choice to do nothing. After which there can be room to develop the native vegetation.”

Land clearing is pricey and labor intensive and has up to now solely been carried out on a small scale. A European subsidy of 4.3 million euros has now been granted, permitting it to be carried out on a bigger scale.

The subsidy is meant to struggle and management unique aquatic vegetation over the subsequent 5 years, with particular gear. Two ‘raking rounds’ are carried out every year, when undesirable vegetation are faraway from the water. Along with this, the vegetation are eliminated by hand.

Within the Netherlands, the flat feather plant is used as an oxygen plant in aquariums. So it may be simply purchased on the backyard centre. However the vegetation aren’t simply in fishbowls, De Jong sighs. “Possibly folks empty the aquarium into the ditch behind the home. They do not see an issue, however that is how unique species find yourself in protected waters. These vegetation can unfold in a short time.”

They haven’t any pure enemy they usually disturb the stability within the waters of the Netherlands. Vegetation are displaced and animals that trusted them develop into confused. “Usually yow will discover crabs right here,” mentioned De Jong, pointing to the water in De Wieden. However that dragonfly is just not going to develop right here now.”